C. Montaldo et al., Lack of melatonin effect on hydrogen peroxide induced bronchoconstriction in isolated and perfused rat lung, LIFE SCI, 66(24), 2000, pp. PL339-PL344
effect of melatonin on hydrogen peroxide- induced broncho-and vasoconstrion
was examined in vivo in the model of the isolated, perfused and ventilated
lung. The administration of hydrogen peroxide (500 mu M) to the perfusate
caused a marked decrease in lung compliance, conductance and flow rate. The
administration of melatonin (500 mu M) to the perfusate 20 min before and
during the hydroperoxide exposure did not cause any change in lung function
. Exposure of lung microsomes to hydrogen peroxide (1-100 mu M) did not ind
uce any significant increase in malonaldehyde (MDA), an index of lipid pero
xidation, and it was not affected by treatment with melatonin (500 mu M) On
the other hand, brain microsomes exposed to hydrogen peroxide (1-100 mu M)
give rise to increased levels of MDA, which were decreased by pre-treatmen
t with melatonin (500 mu M). The results suggest that melatonin may exert a
n antioxidant effect in conditions were lipid peroxidation is occurring. It
s use may not be relevant in conditions where the mechanisms of the reactiv
e oxygen species damage appears to be lipid peroxidation independent, such
as the case of hydrogen peroxide induced broncho- and vasoconstriction. (C)
2000 Elsevier Science Inc.